FOCUS: The push to ensure carers' support isn't left "on the shelf"

Tuesday 11 June 2024

There are an estimated 5,000 islanders providing regular unpaid care for loved ones in Jersey... has the time now come that they will finally be recognised and better supported?

Following a recent meeting with politicians to discuss potential support for the thousands of unpaid carers in the island, the Chair of Carers Jersey has said she feels "positive".

Dr Margaret Bayes said that, after years of campaigning and a recent change in Government, the matter appeared to be "moving forward".

The news comes during Carers Week 2024, which is running from 10-16 June to raise awareness and understanding of the vital role carers play and the challenges they face.

But Carers Jersey, a partnership of charitable organisations and unpaid carers, has been campaigning for carers' legislation since 2017.

At the start of last year, the partnership unveiled results of a survey highlighting the struggles of some unpaid carers and sparking renewed calls for legislative changes to support them.

Pictured: Luke Clements, a professor of law at Leeds University who specialises in disability legislation, spoke at a Carers Jersey event last year.

Luke Clements, a professor of law at Leeds University who specialises in disability legislation, argued that an initial "recognition statute" – acknowledging informal carers and the importance of their role – was a "modest" first step the Government could take.

It is estimated that there are over 5,000 islanders providing regular unpaid care for loved ones, although the exact number is unknown.

"It keeps getting put on the shelf"

Julie Wallman, who spent years looking after her late-father, described the efforts of unpaid carers as "a huge area" that needs more attention from Government.

"I really want people to start talking about the role of the carer and the value of it," she said, adding that employers "also have a role to play" in ensuring someone who is or has been a carer is getting the support they need. 

Pictured: Julie Wallman, pictured with her dog Buttons at a Carers Jersey event in 2022.

Ms Wallman continued: "Nobody is really listening and it's like it keeps getting put on the shelf."

She suggested that a free once-a-year medical check for unpaid carers was one of the ways the Government could show it valued them.

"There is no recognition at all"

Natasha Kennedy, who looks after her ex-husband, mother and step-father, said she was financially "drowning" and pointed out that the carers allowance cannot be paid at the same time as other benefits such as incapacity benefit.

"There is no recognition at all," she continued.

"It's unbelievable. Even carers who own their own property must be struggling."

She also pointed out that by looking after her loved ones she was potentially saving the Government "thousands" of pounds in care costs.

Pictured: Dr Margaret Bayes said she felt "positive" about her recent meeting with politicians at Broad Street and that carers legislation was "moving forward".

Dr Bayes said that she had recently been invited to a meeting at Broad Street and that Deputy Barbara Ward was helping to progress carers legislation as Assistant Health Minister.

The Carers Jersey Chair added: "I felt very positive about it."

She continued: "They are working on it and it is moving forward – it hasn't been thrown into the rubbish bin."

Progress will not be made "overnight"

Deputy Ward said: "We are looking at the adult safeguarding law alongside carers support."

Pictured: Assistant Health Minister Barbara Ward said she was looking at ways carers could be better supported alongside changes to the adult safeguarding law.

She added: "What I am trying to work with the Chief Minister and Treasury Minister on is the carers allowance and whether the informal carer can receive it from the long-term care fund."

However, the Assistant Health Minister stressed the changes would not happen "overnight".

SUPPORT....

Carers Jersey can be contacted at contact@carersjersey.je for further information and assistance.

Mind Jersey also offers support for carers, including a carers support group every second Tuesday, one-to-one support, and a weekly coffee and chat session.